Fish-dressing machine.



Patented Dec. 20, 1910.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

E. A. SMITH.

FISH DRESSING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20, 1906. 979, 1 Q3. Patented Dec. 20, 1910.

atbcm gi dw N & sums-sum a. I

E. A. SMITH.

. FISH DRESSING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20, 1906. 979,103. Patented Dec. 20, 1910.

E. A. SMITH. FISH DRESSING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20, 1906.

979,103. v Patented Dec.20, 1910.

5 8KBET8SHEET 4.

E. A. SMITH. I FISH DRESSING MACHINE; APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20, 1906. I 97 9 1 O3. Patented Dec. 20, 1910.

5 sums-sunk 5.

3 n canto;

' nate corresponding parts throughout Figtype which w ll'be veryvjetlicient in opera-- tary plan view showing-the feeding device vation of the fin severingdevice removed same'taken on line 7--7 of Fig. ('3 with a UNITED sa gsm OFFICE.

EDMUND AUGUSTINE SMITH, OF SEATTLE,

CANNERY MACHINES COMPANY, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, A CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON.

1 '0 all whom it may concern."

Be itknow'n that I, EDMUND AUGUSTINE SMITH, a citizen of the Dominion of Can-T ada, anda resident of the city of Seattle, in the county of King and State of Washington, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fish-Dressing Machines,'of which the following is a specifi: cation.

The primary object of my invention is toprovide an improved apparatus of the above tlon. V

Other objects will be set forth as the description progresses; l With reference to the accompanying drawing wherein likerreference numerals desig-- ure 1 is a view: in. side'elevation of a machine; embodying my; improvements with portions ofsonieof the part's brokenfaway. Fig. 2 is a rear 'endelevation' of the same with portions of some 'ofthe parts broken away. Fig. 3 is a. fragmentary plan View in partial section with the overhead parts removed. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view'taken on line 44 of- 'Fig; 3. Fig. 5 is a transverse section of the feed way taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 3. Fig. Gis a. fragmenin advanced position. Fig. 6, is a front eleand shows the cutter'head in partial'section. .Fig. 7 is a sectional plan view of portion of the. cutter head broken away. Fig. 8 is a sectional plan view ofthe entrailr.emoving-'and2b.ody'scraping device. Fig. 9; is a'fragnfeiitary ectional yiew taken on line 9 of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of one" arm of the carrier. Fig. 11 is a detail view showing one of the body seats. Fig. 12 is a fragmentary rear view showing the presser, splitter and spreader, Fig. 13 is, a fragmentary sectional view of the entrail removing land body'scouring device. Fig.14 isa fragmentary 'plan view of the same, andF g. 15 is a section taken on line 15 of Fig. 1.

The mainframe of the machine is formed with arched side members 2 supported on base pieces 3 which are mounted on suitable legs.

. Reference. numeral 4 designates a carrier Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed Sept-ember 20, 1906'. Serial No. 335,517.

comprising arms 5 radiating from a hollow FISH-DRESSING MACHINE. I

Patented use. so. 1910.

hub iwhich is retatably' mounted on a statlonary shaft 6 supported on the base pieces 3 concentric with the side members 2. -Secured to the hubs is a .worm wheel 7 which meshes with a worm 8 secured to a shaftt) ournaled on the mam frame.

WASHINGTON, ASSIGNOR T0 SMITH I Secured to this shaft is a pulley 10 to which poweris tion indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1.

At the outer ends of the arms 5 I-provide preferably formed concave in cross-section applied to rotate the carrier in .thedirec- -rearwardly-projecting'seats 11 which are .to receivethe back part of a fish'body, and Y convex along their bottom portions. Each.

seat is provided at the forward end with a suitable-stem which is swingably connected,

as at 12, with a respective arm 5, so that the seat may be adjustedinwardly or outwardly. At opposite sides of the point of swing of the seat are adjusting screws 14,

(see. Fig. 11,) which have'screw-threaded connections with the stem thereof and im-f path of the carrier. These. gripping devices are provided with suitable barbs to insure a positive hold on the fish, and inthe. case of the devices 15 which it will be observed, are in advance of their companion gripper 16, these barbs are provided on jaws 16, which are rotatably mounted on respective grip-- ping members; so as to avoid mutilation of the. fish body as it' swings to and from its seaton the carrier.

Slidably mounted on eacharm- 5 are spring pressed rods 15 and 16' which have link connections with the cross members of the gripping devices 15 and 16 respectively and are provided at their inner ends with wipers 17 and 18 respectively which projct into the hub 4. Securedto'the shaft 6 and terminating at itsforward side are cams 19 and 20 which extend downwardly in a rear- "ward direction for engagement with the wipers 17 and 18 respectively, to open the gripping devices.

-Intermediate each pair of gripping devices are'opposite resilient guards in the formof fingers 21, (see Fig. 10), which are conveniently secured to the arms 5.50 as to engagethe fish body and thereby insure the with- 27 in the form of a ton turned rear and forward end portions, to

the former of which the respective jaws 22 are secured at one end while the latter have angular extensions 25 slidably engaged with suitable eyes, as 22 on said jaws.

Mounted at the forward end of the machine on the basepieces is a feed-way 26 s formed with opposite guides 26 which are spaced well apart along their outer portions and converge adjacent their-forward ends to provide 'a comparatively narrow passage way, as 27. The said outer portions of the guides a're formed with their inner edges comparatively thin (see Fig. 5,) and have their upper surfaces concaved to receive the back part of the fish body, which is placed upon the guides belly up with the tail por-, tion foremost and then pressed forwardly to engage it between the jaws 22. Should the back fin of the fish be bent laterally in-either direction itwill be engaged and straightened out by one orthe other of the guides 26- during its forward movement.

Located beneath the space between the converging portions of the guides 26 is a guard upwardly in a forward irection with the ti adjacent the entrance to the passage-way 2 so as to keep the fish body from being caught between said converging portions of the guides.

At the inner end of the feedway-26 is a cutting device conveniently conslsting of horizontally disposed blades 28 which overlap each other adjacent the passage way 27 so as to sever the back fin of the fish as it' passes therefrom. -These blades are mounted on suitable spindles rotatably supported on a cross-member 29'0f the main frame and operatively connected with shaft of suitable gearing as 30.

Mounted on the main frame is a sprin retracted swing arm' 31 which is engage with a depending pivot 31 of the head 23 and connected, by means'of a rod 32, with the lower end of alever 33 mounted on said frame adjacent the upwardly moving side ofthe wheel 7. This wheel is provided with projections as 7, one for each arm 5, which are-related to a wiper 33 pivots lly mounted 9 by means on the upper end portion of lever 33 and normally lying out of the path of said projections.

e which is inclined gripping device 16.

- tion Related to the head 23 is a feed regulating device comprising gates 34: which are swingably engaged with respective pivots 24:

mounted on the cross member 2& at op osite sides of said head. These gates normal y occupy angular positions forwardly of the head 23 in the path of the fish body and-are provided with rearwardly converging arms 34' which, when thegates are closed, en-

gage at their inner ends with axing-'20" of said head to keepthe gates from-swinging outwardly. i

Mounted lever 35 which normally occupies a position wherein it extends into the path of the fish body to be operated by the. same as it is on one jof the gates is a set ressed forwardly between the jaws 22.

his -lever is connected with the wiper 33- to operate the same by means of a yieldin take-up as 36 which, when the lever is move by. thefish body, swings j said wi'er into position to be engaged by the first a vancing projection 7 of the wheel 7. The said proectlon acts on the wiper 33' to swing lever 33 and thereby advance the head'23 as the respective ipping device 15 approaches the oint 0 feed. ."As-the hejad'moves forwar ly the la 31' thereonclears the arm 34:, thereby re easing the gates so that they can be 0 ened by the fish .body as it is moved to its advanced position where its forward end portion is gripped by the approaching gripping device I5whose wiper 17 atthis pDoint passes-from engagement with cam 19.

urin upward movement of the said grippin evice the fish'body is en ppsite sides by guide members 3 and swings ged .at op- 1 tween guards 21 to its seat on the carrier,

where it is then grip ed by the companion The ide members '37 consist of segmental p ates bentoutwardly at their lower ends and supported on respective spring pressed swing arms 38 which are pivotallymounted on cross pieces'2' secured tothe side members 2. These arms are arranged in pairs (see Fig. 9), and-provided with gear sectors 38' which connect the arms-of respective pairs to obtain e ual adjustment of each member 37 as the sh body enters therebetween and thereby insure proper position of the body on its seat.

Reference numeral 39 designates a cutter comprisi a pair of circular blades se- 'cured to suite le'spind1es and ermed with outwardly flaring cutting-rims rotatively s the fish body is ele-' fitting one within the other in substantially the same manner as disclosed in my former Patent No. 7965538. This cutter is mounted on a head 40 having an annular like base 40 which is open at the forward side and embraces the rim portion of thecutter." Extending from the open side of base 40 are forwardly diverging fin guides eil having segmental stems 41 slidably fitting in 1Q opposite endportions of a channel 42 in said base and engaging at their inner ends with a spring 43 serving to yieldingly hold said guides in normal positions. These guides are provided with base extensions, 5 (see Fig. 7,) which. project rearwardly over the cutting edgeof cutter 39, and'secured to one of said extensions'is a plate 44 which projects across the opposite extension and serves to support the fins severed by said "cutter. Operating above the plate 44 is a means for removing the severed fins from about the cutter 39, the same comprising oppositely i sposed.arms, 4-5 secured to a bevel gear 45 Totatably mountedgoiii theihead 46:;

and meshing-with asimila'r gear 46 which is secured. to a shaft 46' journaled'on said head and enga'ges'oppositely. disposed gears 47 secured to respective-spindles of the said 3;; cutter.

The head 40 ismounted adjacent the firear ends of the guides 37 one-frame 48 with the lower edge or heel of cutter 39in the path: of the fish body at the forward side of said head and thecutting edge of the cutter slightly, above and in advance of the heel. The frame 48 is swingably supported rearwardly of the cutterxhead on a. shaft- 49 journaled on the side members 2. -Secured tothis shaft is a bevel gear 49 meshing with a similar gear rotatable with a shaft 50 which is mounted on frame 48 and connected with the shaft'46 tb drive the cutter by means of a pair of bevel gears 50. The head 40 is pivotally connected with frame 48 concentric with the shaft 46' and suitably counterbalanced byineans of a weighted le-. ver 48' so as to ex ert a slight downwar pressure as the fish body passes beneath the same. I To keep the cutter-39from gouging the fish body during the fin severing operation I providea guard 51 which projects forwardlyof said cutter to engage the fish body and is suitably spaced upwardly from the cuttiug edge of the latter to permitthe fins" to pass beneath the guard in engagement withthc. guides 41. This guard as shown, is inthe form of a drum which is rotatably supported onthe cutter head 40 aml-counected with shaft 46 by means of a train of gears 51 (see Figs. 6 and 7).

Reference numeral 52 designates a cutter secured to anarbor 52 rotatably mounted' on a frame 53 which is swingably supported on shaft 49 with said cutter in line with the center of the path of the carrier to split the fish body. This cutter is driven from shaft 49 by suitable gearing including a shaft 53 mounted on the frame Extending rearwardly from the splitter 52 is-a spreader comprising a plate 5% provided with outwardly diverging extensions i at its, rear end and extensions at the i orwardjmd which lie at opposite sides of [the splitter and are each provided with a. laterally projecting shoe 55 adapted to ride upon the fish body to regulate the depth of cut of the splitter. This spreader is secured to forwardly divergingarms 56 which are swingably engaged with the arbor 52 so that the spreader will be adjusted outwardly at its forward end with the splitter asthe fish body passes into engagement with the shoes 55'. To keep the frame 53 from bounding outwardly .when the fish body strikes these shoes I provide a buffer in the form of a s )ring 56 which is suitably arranged to' yieldingly oppose outward move- S ament: of gs a1d frame. 2

In advance of the splitter is a presser com- ;prising forwardly dlvergin cheeks 58 secured to a stem 58 whic -is swingably mounted on the frame 53' with the said cheeks normally in the path of the fish body at opposite' sid'es of -'.theplane; of the split- -terQiTiiis' stem-is; ress'ed' forwardly bya spring as '58 whic permits the frame to swing rearwardly as 'the fish body engages thecheeks 58 and, moves them to a point adjacent the splitter;

Intermediate the cutter 39 and the presser are oppositely disposed guide plates, as 5!) between which the fish body. passes. These guides are supported on respective spring pressed arms59 which are connected with each other and supported in a manner identical-to that of arms 38.

Reference numeral 60 designates a rotary beater mounted in the path of the fish body at the rear end of spreader 54 ona hanger 61 and formed with ribs 60 on its opposite sidesurfaces' which serve to break 'the eutrails loose from the sidewall of thefish. The hanger 61'is swingably engaged with a shaft 62 rotatably supported on the 'side members 2 and carries a shaft 6l which is connected with the shaft 62 and spindle of the beater by means of bevel gears as shown.

Beyond the beater 60 is an entrail dislodgin and body scraping device comprising angularly disposedv circular members 63 provided with t eth on their opposing side edges and rotata, ly supported on a bracket 64 to mesh with each other in the path of the carrier. The bracket- .64 isswingablv mounted on a swing hanger 65 depending from the shaft 62 and carries a rotatably mounted pin wheel 63 which engages one of the members 63. Thispin wheel is This member is secured to a spindle 71 in line with the center of the path of the gearing including a shaft 65, rotata'bly sup- 'Tl1is rod is provided with astop 68 which the'hanger 65. Connected with the arm 67 of a lever fulcrumed adjacent the clown- -while the ribs 73 scour the interior surface.

as These rollers are mounted each ad- 'and provided with set screws 77 to secure driven from shaft 62 by means of suitable ported on hanger 65.

Mounted on the side member-s2 is a rock shaft 66 carrying angularly disposed arms 67 and 67 to the former-of which is connected a rod 68 which is also connected with the bracket 64 to elevate the same at its outerend to the position shown in Fig. 1.

normally rests'upon a cross member 64 of is a rod 69 which is engaged with one end wardly moving side of the wheel 7 with its lower end'in the path of the projection 7 to be engaged by same to elevate the said bracket as the seats 11 travel past-the members 63. Owing to the angular position of the axes of members 63 relatively to the axis of the bracket 64 it is obviousthat the point of mesh of said members will be lowered as the bracket is swung upwardly, consequently the said members will be adjusted after they enter the fish for more perfectaction to scrape the side walls and dislodge the entrails.

Adjacent the .mmbers 63' is 'a scouring and entrail removing device including a rotary member 71 formed with a circular cuttingedge 72' and provided at opposite sides with ribs 73 which extend toward its axis.

journaled on aswing hanger 74 depending from the shaft 62 with the cutting edge 72 carrier so as to break the membrane which extends along the backbone of the fish body of the bodv. In conjunction with the member 71 I provide means for holding the entrails to movement therewith, the same-consisting of yielding bodies as 75 in the form 'of rollers which are preferably formed from rubber and provided with suitable bushings,

jacent its respective side of the member 71, on suitable axles 76, secured to respective collars 77 which are adjustably supportetL on the hangers 74for adjustment of said rollers toward and from the path of the carrier. As shown-the collars 77 a re mounted on the journal bearings of the spindle T1 them in adjusted'positions. To insure a more perfect scraping action of the member 71 Lprovide atopposite sides thereof adjusters 78 between which the fish body} passes. These adjusters are conveniently in the form of circular brushes secured to respective shafts 78 which are journaled attheir lower ends on the hanger 74 and rotatably engaged with angle brackets- 79 i i r l i tably mounted on the side members 2 and 1 driven from shaft 62 by gears 80. The shafts 78 are connected with shaft 80 by means of bevel gears 81 suitably arranged to rotate the adjusters in the direction indi- Hangers 7 t, 65 and 61 and spreading device 54 are provided with suitable stop rods 68 to limit their inward movement, and on said rods butl'er springs are preferably'arranged, as shown.

Now, assuming that power-has been applied to pulley 10 and carrier 4 is in rotation, the operation of the machine to dress a fish body is as follows: The body is first placed on its back,'i'n feed-way 26, with its tail end foremost, and itsback fin engaged in the narrow passage way 27, thenpress'ed,

forwardly to engage it between the jaws 22,

,during which movement, said back fin is straightened, if this be-necessary, then severed by thehorizontally disposed blades 28. The fish body upon being pressed between jaws 22 strikes set lever 35, and movingthe:

same, swings wiper 33 into position to be engaged by the firstadvancing projection 7 of wheel 7 which projection acts on said wiper to swing lever 33'and thereby advance the head 23 with the fish body as a gripping device 15 approaches the point of feed.

Upon said gripping device reaching the for- .ward or tail end portion of the fish body, wiper 17 of said gripping device passes from.

engagement with cam'19, thereby permitting of the gripping device closing and gripping the fish body. During upward move ment of said gripping-device, the fish body is engaged at opposite sides by guide members 37 and swung between guards 21 to its seat on the carrier where it 'is then gripped by the companion gripping device 16. l Vhile be ng guided bymembers 37 the fish body is brought beneath? the fin cutter 39, which rides .ihereon andihasthe fins guided thereto by the fin guides' tl as hereinbefore described. Passing from; the fin cutter 39, the body is engaged between the guide plates and guided to the resser whose diverglnf1 cheeks press and hold the fish body I I for more perfect action of the splitting cutf ter The dept 1 of 'cut of the splitter is regulated by the laterally projecting shoes 55. provided on the forward end portion ofa Spreader 54-, which latter enters thejifeiitlmade bythe splitter and serves to open. the body for entrance of the rotary beater- (X) which 'breaig'sathe-entrails loose from the side walls ofathegb'ody. From the rotary beater 60, the

list; body is first conveyed to the angularly gclisposell circular members 63, which entering the body scrape its 'side walls and dislodge the entrails, then to the s'couring and entrail removing device comprisingthe rotary 'n'iembers'? 1 over which the fish body is pressed by'the adjusters 78', and rollers 75 which hold ,the entrails to movement with saidmembers 71, while the'fish bodywis car .ried .on .by carrier 4-,- until released upon opening of the gripping devices and 16. 'H'aving thus described my invention what Iclaimas new, and desire to claim by Letters Patent of the United States of Amer- I means to its normal position.

2. I'n' a fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for movement, means supported for movement for conveying a body toward said carrier,means on said carrierfor removing a, body from said first means, and

mechanism for operating said first means controlled by a body arranged thereon to be to slide toward and from said carrier, gr p- 'fed.

3. In a fishdressing machine, a carrier supported for movement, a: body feeding means; mounted for movement toward and from said carrier, means on the carrier for removing a body from said feeding means, and mechanism for operatin, said feeding means set to operate by a-bodyto be fed.

4. Ina .fislrdressing machine. a carrier supported for movement, a feeding means mounted for movement toward and from said carrier, means on the carrier for re moving a body from said feeding means, normally inactive "m echanism for operating said feeding means in one direction, means controlled by a fish body arranged on the feeding means for setting said mechanismso that it will operate, and means forteturning said carrier to its normal posit on. g 5. In a fish'dressing macli1ne,a carrier supported for movement, a feeding device supported for movement toward and from said carrier, means on the carrier for. re-

moving a body from said feeding means, normallyinactlve mechanism for operating said device, and means for setting said mechanism so that it will operate including 'a member arranged to be engaged by a body being inserted into said device.v

6. In a fish dressing machine, carrier supported. for movement, a feeding device comprising a head supported to slide and provided with opposing grippers, means on the carrier for removing the-body from between the gripperson said head and holding it to movement with the carrier, and

means for operating said feeding device controlled by a body arranged between the opposing grippers-of said head.

7. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for movement, a feeding device comprising a head supported for movement toward and from said carrier and provided with yielding grippers for engaging a fish body, said grippers conver ing in the direc-;

- tion of active movement 0 said feeding device, means on the carrier for removinga body from between the grippers on said head and holding it to movement with the carrier, and normally inactive means for operating said feedingdevice correlatively.

to movements of said carrier. I

8. In a fish dressing machine, a-carriersupported for movement, a feedijngldevic'ep9i); supported for movement toward and'from' said carrier, means on the carrier removing the body from said feedin device, means for operatin said feeding evice, andinov- .able means or limiting the movement of a body' being inserted in said device, said last means being normally secured against movement and arranged to-be; 1 -e1eased"by said feeding device during movement thereof.

9; In a fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for movement, means supported pets on said means for holding a'body, gates normally arranged to limit the movement of a body being inserted between said grip- 106 pers, and means on the'carrier for removing the fish body from said first means and holding the same to movement with thecarrier.

10. In a fish dressing machine, atcarrier supported for movement, a feeding device 1 sup orted for movement toward and from saic carrier, a feed regulating device in advance of said feeding device to limit .the movement of a body being positionedo'n said feeding device, said last named-device being normally secured and arranged to be moved from the path of said feeding device during movement thereof, means foroperating said feeding device, and means on the carrier forremoving a body from said feeding device. I

ll." In a fishdressing machine, a carrier supported for rotation, means rotatable with said carrier provided with a plurality of spaced projections, a body feeding device supported for movement toward and from 'said carr er, means on the carrier for removing a body. from the feeding, device, and mechanism for operating said feeding device including a wiper arranged for engagement with the means.

12. In a fish dressing machine, --a carrier supported for rotation, a feeding device supported for movement .toward and from said projections on said rotatable carrier, means on the carrier for removing a body from said feeding dev1ce,' a rotatable with the carrier for operatingsaid mecha-' msm.

14. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for rotation, a body feeding device supported for movement toward and from said carrier, means on .the carrier for gripping the body fed by said device, a

' means movable with the carrier and pro-,

videdwith spaced projections, mechanism for operating said device including a member movable into and out of the path of the projections on sa d last means,jand means controlled from the feeding ideviceffor settin said member so that saidmechanism wil be operated.

' 15. In a fish dressing-machine, a carriersupported for rotation, a feed device su ported for-movement toward and from said carrier and being yieldingly held in retracted position, means for moving said device toward the carrier, and means on the carrier for removing a body from saiddevice.

16. In a fishdressing machine,- a carrier supported for movement, a means slidably supported for movement toward and from said carrier for feeding a body thereto,

. means for regulating the feed of a body into said last means consisting of gates, arms on said gates engaged by said feed means to prevent movement of the gates, means for operating said feed means,'.and means on the carrier for gripping a bodyfedby said feed means;

17. In a dressing machine, a carrier supported for-rotation, means on the carrier ton holding a body, a feedway extending at an angle 'to'said carrier, and stationary spring pressed guide members supported above said feed Way and consisting of segmental plates arranged to have a body on said carrier moved therebetween the lower end portion of said plates being curved outwardly.

18. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier comprising a hub, an outwardly projecting arm on said hub, a seat for a fish body supported on the outer end of said arm fOl'JOlZ'ltive angular adjustment and projecting from one side thereof, and gripping devices pivoted directly to said arm and projecting on opposite sides of said seat.

19. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier comprising a hub, an outwardly projecting arm on said hub, a seat for a fi h body pi\' oted on the outer end of said arm, and adjustable means for securing said seatfrom movement.

20. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier provided with a seat for a fish body, movable gripping devices on said carrier projecting on opposite sides of said seat for holding a body thereon, and yielding guards on said carrieradapted to engage the fish body to hold the same from movement with said gripping devices when said gripping devices are. opened. I

'21. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier provided with a-seatfor a fish body, opposite pairs of movable gripping devices arranged togri the body on said seat, means to-open and c ose said gripping devices, and yielding guards arranged at opposite side of said seat between said gripping devices for holding the fish body from movement with said gripping devices when said gripping devices are opened. 1

22. In a fish dressing machine, a cutting device and guides for supporting a fish body to be fed to said device, said guides being spaced for reception 0i" :1 fin of the fish body therebetween and provided with means to cause the fish body to move upwardly on said guides as it is ted.

23. In a fish dressing machine, a cutting device, and spaced guides-having concaved upper'faces for supporting a fish body to be fed to said cutting device, said guides having the contiguous edges of their delivery ends converged and provided with upwardly inclined surfaces arranged on opposite sides of-said convergingedge portions to have the fish body ride thereover.

24. In a fish dressing machine, a cutting device, and concaved guides for supporting a body to be fed to said cutting device, said guides being spacedffor reception of'a fin of the fish body therebetween and provided at their delixery end portionswith upwardly inclined surfaces disposed in'the' path of the fish body, thecontiguous edge portions of said guides adjacent said inclined surfaces being converged. r 25. In a fish dressing machine, a cutting device, spaced guides for supporting a fish body to be fed to said cutting device having forwardly converged contiguous edges adapted to receive therebetween a fin of the fish body and upwardly inclined s'urtacts on opposite sides thereof, and a guard having an upwardly inclined upper surface disposed beneath the-converging edge portions of said guides. I I 26. In a 'fish dressln'g machine, a carrier supported for'jm'ovement and provided with a seat-land a device 'supaorted so as to be therebetweemv 27. In a. fislKdressing-machine, a carrier supported for movement andv providedjwith a seat, and a device for centering a fish body on said seat comprising members svvingmgly supported on means immovable with the rier, toothed bodies fixedo'n said members, said bodies'beingin mesh, and means on the lower portions of said m'embersarranged to "have the fish body pass therebetween.-

28. In a fish 'dressirig'm'achine, a carrier supported formovemenu'means on the carri'er for holdin' a body, a cutter Secured to a fixed part and aving a heel arranged in the path of travel of a-body-mounted in said means, the cutting edge of the cutter being gagement with the fish body.

arranged above and in advance of said heel,

and a rotary guard for the cutting edge of said cutter disposed in front thereof for en- 29.-".Iii a; fish dressing machine, a carrier supprted for movement, means "on the carrier for holding a body, a cutting device -secured -tol;a-fi ted., art and arranged in the -path ot-;. mve1e "a body-mounted in said means, and a rotary' guard for the cutting device arranged to engage-the first body in advance of said cutting device.

30. In a.fish'dressing-machine, a carrier supported for movement, means on the carrier for-holding a body,'a cutter secured to a fixed part and having a heel arranged in the path oftravel of a body mounted in .said means, the cutting edge of the cutter, being arranged-above and-in advance of said heel,

and a guard for saidcutter, said guardbeing' sugported for rotation to. engage the fish b0 y in advance of the cutting edge of said rier for holding ,a body, a cutting device secured .tq,g,'s ednpaitand arranged in the path,-,of,a,,boily,,mounted in said means, fin guides pifdj eetin'g forwardly of said cutting device, anda guard for said cutting device arranged above saidfin ment with the fish body.

'32. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for movement, means on the carrier for hold g a body, a fin cutter secured to a fixed part,'means for guiding-the fins to said,,,cutter, and means supported for.

movement toeiiga'ge' and remove the severed fins from about said cutter.

guides for engage carrier supported thereon for movement, a splitter supported on said frame for movei 33. In a, fish dressing machine, a carrier i supported for movement, means on the carrier for holding a body, a fin cutter sup ported in the path of the carrier, means for supporting the fins severed by said cutter, and neans for removing fins fromsaid last means.

34. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier l I supported for movement, means on the carrier for holding a bodv, a fin cutter sup ported in the path of the carrier, fin guides projecting forwardly of said cutter, a plate on one of said guides for supporting the fins severed by said cutter, and moans for rep moving fins from said plate.

35. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier carrier supported on; said frame for move-.

ment, a head supported on said frame and disposed in the path of said carrier, a cutting means mounted on said head for rotacurved stems slidably engaged. with said head. 38. In a fish dressing machine, a frame'a carrier supported thereon for movement, means on the carrier-for holding a body, a splitter arranged in the path of saidcarrier. means swingingly connected with the frame; for supporting said splitter, and shoes on opposite sides of said splitter swingingly connected to said last means. a 39. In a fish dressing machine, a main frame, a carrier supported-thereon for move ment, means on the carrier for holding a body, a frame sivingingly supported on said main frame, a splitter supportedzby said last 'frame, a yieldingly pressed means connected ,with said lastframe for independent movement toward and from the carrier, and shoes on said last means disposed to engage the 'fish body to regulate the depth of cut of said splitter.

40. In a fish dressing machine, a frame,'a

ment toward and from the carrier, a body entering device supportedto-the rearof said splitter, a spreader arranged between said splitter and body entering device, the rear portion of said spreader having outwardly flared portions arranged on oppositsides of a body, a fin cutter suption, and bodily movable fin guides having said body entering device, and shoes on the thangcr swingin'gly supported on said frame,

forward portion of said spreader associated \vit-h'said splitter to regulate the depth of cut thereof, for the purpose specified.

4-1. In a fish dressing machine, a frame, a carrier supported thereon for rotation, at

splitter supported for movement toward and from the carrier, :1 body entering device supported to the rear of said splitter, and means extending from the splitter to said body entering device arranged to enter the fish through the cut made by said splitter, and being supportedfrom said frame formovementindependent of said body entering device.

42. In a fish dressing machine, a frame, a

carrier supported thereon for movement.

means on said carrier for holding a body,

splitter supported on said fraine, and a "Swingingly supported presser arranged forwardly of said splitter for movement toward the same so as to press down on the fish body and thereby hold it during the. splitting operation.

43. In a fish dressing machine, a frame, a

" carrier slipported thereon for movement,

means on 531d carrier for holding a body, a splitter supported'on-said frame for movement toward and from said carrier, and a presser arranged forwardly of said splitter and bein suptported for movement. independent t ereo 44. In a fish dressing machine, a frame, a.

carrier supported thereon for movement,

means on said carrier for holding a body, a

splitter supportedon said frame, and a .presser supported in front of said splitter for movement toward and from the same andbeing arranged to bear down on a body in advance thereof. I

45. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for movement, means thereon for holding-a body, and an entrail dislodging tata le'members having opposing gripping ment toward and from the same comprising portions.

' 47. In a fish'dressing machine, a carrier' supported for movement, means thereon for holdinga body, a body-entering device supported in the path of said carriertfor movecoact-ing rotatably mounted gripping members, and means for rotating said gripping members.

48. In afish dressing machine, a frame, a carrier supported thereon for movement,

-means on the carrier for holding a body, a

'eoacting body enteringgrippers rotatably mounted on said hanger in the path of said carrier, and means to rotate said grippers.

lib In a fish dressing machine, a carrier sup iiortod for movement, means thereon for holding a body, a bracket supported on a fixedpart for swinging, coacting grippers rotatably mounted in said bracket and arranged in the path of "the fish bodies conveyed onsaid carrier, the axes of said grippers' being at an angle to the axis of swing of said bracket, means to rotate said grippers, and means to swingsaid bracket.

-50. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for movement, means thereon for holding a body, coacting rotatable angularly disposed grippers,1neans to rotate said grippers, means swingingly supported in the path of said-carrier on which said grippers are mounted for rotation and means to auto ina-tieally swing said last means during movement of the carrier..

In a'fish' dressing machine, a. carrier supported for. movement, means thereon forholding a body, enacting rotatable angularly disposed grippers having meshing teeth 'arranged in the path of said carrier, asupport 1 1 said grippersineanson which said.

support is swingin gly mounted, means to rotate said grippers, and-'means to swing said last means durmgmovement of the carrler. I

52. In a fish dressing-' 1nachine, afcarrier supported for movement, means thereon for holding a body, a rotatable body entering scraper supported in the path of -said carrier for movement towar'd'and from 'the same, and rotatable means at'opposite sides of said scraper for; drawing thefish body thereover,

53. In a-fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for'movement, means thereon for holding a body, a body .entering scraper supported in the- 'path of Saidearrier for movement toward and from the same, rotatable means onopposite sides of said scraper between which the fish passes, means to rotate said last means, the opposing sides of said rotatable means mov' ing toward the scraper, as specified, I i

54.. In a'tish dressing machine, a carrier supported for movement, means thereon for holding a body,'and.a-n entrail removing devicesupportedin the path ofI the' carrier consisting of a rotatable member,. and means arranged at op osite sides thereof for direct engagement with the entrails to hold the same on said rotatablemember while the bodyis moved past the same;

55. Ina fish dressing machine, a carrier,

supported for movement, means thereon for holding body, and an entrailremoving 'deviee supported in the path of the carrier consisting of a rotatable member, and'rotatable means at opposite "sides thereof for directly engaging and holding the entrails thereon while the body'is being moved past .the same.

56. In a fish dressing machine, a carrier supported for'movement, means thereon for holding a body, an entrail removing device I 0 supported in the path ofsa d carrier consisting of'a rotatable member. and means at a fish body to be fed to said cutting device,

said guides being spaced for reception of a fin of the fish body and being formed with forwardly and outwardlyinchned portions arranged to have the fish body move there- Qn,whereby the fish body will be moved outwardly as it approaches said cutting device.

58. III a fish dressing machine, a cutting device, and spaced guides arranged to have the fish body seated thereon with its fin therebetween and provided with means for effecting outward movement of the fish body relatively to said guides as the fish body is guided toward said cutting device, said fin receiving space rearwardly of its receiving end portion converging toward said cutting device.

59. In a fish dressing machine, a cutting device, means for conveying a body thereto, a guide means immovable relatively to said first means and comprising cooperating movable members arranged to have the body conveyed on said first means and pass therebetween, and means connecting said members for equal movement laterally of said first means.

. Signed at Seattle, Washington this 1st Witnesses ARLITA ADAMS, EDWARD W. CREssMAN. 

